The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-07-27
The Railroad Meeting in Farmerville.

One of the largest meetings of our
citizens greeted Col. B. w. johnson,
President of the Little Rock and Alex
andria Railroad Co., on Monday, that
we have seen in Farmerville for seve-
raj years, and one that showed the in
terest which the projected railroad has
awakened in the public. R. B. Daw-
kins, Esq, Mayor of Farmerville, in
some appropriate remarks introduced
Col. johnson, who spoke of the organ
ization of his Company; Of the facili.
ties afforded to build roads in Louisi-
ana superior to those in Arkansas or
Texas. He said that at Alexandria
facilities would be offered to extend
his road by the Huntington system,
which would virtually give through
line to New Orleans that since under
taking the Little Lock and Alexand-
ria line propositions were made, and
are now entertained to extend from
Little Rock, nortd, to Rolla, Mo. He
said: eve have made all the arrange
ments in writing for money necessary
to build the road cash builds rail-
roads, not talk" Col. johnson an.
swered some questions put to him rela-
tive to the right of way, damage which
might be sustained, ETC., in concluding.
After Col. johnson had spoken the
following preamble and resolutions
were read by j. E. Everett, and were
adopted:
Whereas, The lands of Union Parish are
highly fertile and productive and are not
subject to overflow nor its evil results; and
Whereas, This Parish has abundance of
fine timber of mercantile quality; and
Whereas, We raise grains and fruits Of
all kinds as we'll as largo amount of cot
ton, and have very limited and expcn-
sive facilities for marketing the same; and
Whereas, We have a considerable iron
ore throughout our Parish which with
proper industry and capital could be made
profitable to our country and remunera-
ting to our people; and
Whereas, We are SO wonderfully blest
with the most desirable locality, prOduc-
two soil, finely timbcred lands, splendid
water, admirable climate and good
health and
Whereas, Our lands, though richly pro-
ductive, are extremely cheap and inviting
to emigration; and
Whereas, We are disconnected with the
mercantile world for want of proper facil-
tiles, which has heretofore been a grand
preventive to the much desired emigra-
ton and
Whereas, We desire to be an energetic,
progressive and wise people, and by pro-
per means connect ourselves and our mar
ketable products with the world and its
markets, thus invite emigration, business,
capital and progressive interests into our
country, enhance the value of our lands
and property, and open the channel for
industry and economy to claim and realize
their proper rewards; and
Whereas. We, the people of Union Par
ish, feel deeply interested in the prospec-
tive Railroad from Little Rock, Ark. to
Alexandria, La, through our Parish site,
and know the beneficial results which we
will derive from the construction of this
contemplated road and realize that now is
the opportune time to act in order to util-
ize the dormant wealth which surrounds
us, and to more hastily bring about these
beneficial results; therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the people of Union
Parish, in mass meeting assembled, do
hereby guarantee to the Little Rock and
Alexandria Railroad the riSht Of way
through our Parish and town of Farmer
VILE, and the necessary depot grounds in
our said town, and at other points in the
Parish, where it may be necessary for
such depots.
Be 1t further resolved, That we hereby
extend to Col. b. w. johnson our hearty
support and cooperation in the further
anee Of this great enterprise.
-[Farmerville Gazette.
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